Machenike launches budget-friendly 23.8″ 1080p 100Hz gaming monitor for $70

-

Mar 31, 2024

Audio-Technica has launched a new pair of True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earbuds in the Chinese market, the ATH-TWX7, featuring hybrid digital active noise cancellation, 5.8mm drivers, and a price tag starting at 1249 Yuan (around $176) on JD.com. The earbuds were first introduced at CES this year.

Audio-Technica ATH-TWX7 Specifications:

The ATH-TWX7 features a compact and ergonomic design that ensures a natural fit and prevents them from falling out of your ears. The earphones also come with mixed hardness hybrid structure ear tips for increased comfort during extended wear. The left and right earbuds weigh approximately 4.7g each, while the charging case weighs about 47.5g.

The earbuds boast “Hybrid Digital Noise Cancellation Technology” that utilizes dual MEMS microphones on each earbud to capture ambient noise and transmit it to a high-precision noise-canceling processor for effective noise reduction. The earbuds offer a noise cancellation capability of 38dB.

For situations where some ambient sound is necessary, the earphones also offer a clear ambient sound mode. This mode uses microphones to pick up surrounding sounds, making it useful for staying aware of your surroundings during walks, workouts, or commutes.

The TWS earbuds are equipped with 5.8mm high-fidelity drivers and support Bluetooth 5.1 technology. It offers a low latency mode for seamless audio transmission, ideal for watching videos or gaming without worrying about audio delay. It supports LDAC, AAC, and SBC codecs.

In terms of battery life, the earphones can deliver up to 6.5 hours of continuous playback with noise cancellation enabled, and a total of 20 hours when combined with the charging case. Additionally, the earphones support fast charging, providing approximately 60 minutes of playback time with just a 15-minute charge.

The ATH-TWX7 also boasts some interesting features like multi-device connection, allowing you to connect to two devices simultaneously, and an app for personalization. Through the dedicated “Connect” app, users can customize various settings according to their preferences, including audio style presets, equalizer adjustments, and even a personal timer function. The earphones are also IPX4 water resistant, making them suitable for workouts or light rain.

RELATED:

Samsung launches 20,000mAh power bank in China, offers triple USB-C ports & 45W charging

By

-

Mar 31, 2024

Samsung has officially launched its 20,000mAh power bank in the Chinese market, following its debut in Korea. Available for pre-sale on prominent e-commerce platforms like JD.com, the device is priced at 299 yuan ($42) and will hit the shelves on April 2nd. The power bank comes in Beige color.

Samsung 20000mAh Powerbank Specifications:

The Samsung 20000mAh power bank features triple USB-C ports, allowing users to charge three devices simultaneously. When charging a single device, it can deliver up to 45W of power.

The power bank also supports PD3.0 (Power Delivery) and PPS for faster charging of compatible devices. The power bank itself can also be charged quickly with 45W fast charging. It measures 152 x 76 x 25.5 mm and weighs 402g.

The power bank also supports Super-Fast Charging 2.0, a technology that accelerates charging for compatible Samsung and third-party devices, including the power bank itself.

Samsung says that the power bank is made from UL-certified recycled materials, which helps to reduce carbon emissions and protect valuable resources. The exterior of the power bank is made from 5.9% recycled content, composed of 30% post-consumer recycled material.

The powerbank is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Samsung Galaxy smartphones and tablets, as well as other devices that support USB-C charging.

It supports Super-Fast Charging 2.0 for the Galaxy Note 10+, Galaxy S20 Ultra, Galaxy S22 series, Galaxy S23 series, Galaxy S24 series, and Galaxy Tab S7, and subsequent iterations/products.

RELATED:

Xiaomi gears up for 5.5G and a new patent hints satellite communication for cars

By

-

Mar 31, 2024

The race for next-generation mobile connectivity heats up as Xiaomi joins OPPO and Vivo in embracing 5.5G technology. According to a recent tip from Digital Chat Station, Xiaomi is preparing to roll out 5.5G upgrades via OTA (Over-the-Air) updates, potentially for devices powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset. China Mobile also recently tested the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, achieving speeds of up to 5132 Mbps.

5.5G Upgrades on the Horizon

5.5G, also known as 5G-A, acts as a bridge between current 5G networks and the future of 6G. It promises significant improvements – tenfold increases in download speeds exceeding tens of gigabits per second, lower latency, improved positioning, and better network reliability compared to its predecessor.

Most smartphones equipped with the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and Dimensity 9300 processors are capable of supporting 5.5G. This news comes on the heels of OPPO announcing full 5.5G support for its Find X7 series, and Vivo revealing their initial lineup of compatible devices.

Patent Hints at Connected Car Future

Beyond mobile phones, Xiaomi seems to be setting its sights on the future of connected cars. A recent patent application discovered by Tianyancha hints at Xiaomi’s interest in vehicle-to-satellite communication. This technology could potentially optimize the quality and reliability of satellite communication in Xiaomi cars, offering features like improved navigation and emergency response capabilities. However, details still need to be made clear about whether this functionality will be integrated into future Xiaomi models or available as an upgrade for the recently launched Xiaomi SU7.

The concept of satellite-connected cars isn’t entirely new. Geely Holding, a Chinese automaker, recently launched 11 low-earth orbit satellites through its subsidiary Geespace. These satellites are part of the “Geely Future Mobility Constellation” network, aimed at integrating communication, navigation, and remote sensing for driverless cars.

Geely’s car models, including the Zeekr 001 FR and Zeekr 007, come equipped with in-built satellite communication functionality, enabling high-precision positioning and connectivity with consumer electronics products. The satellites also offer AI remote sensing capabilities, providing high-resolution imaging data. Geely aims to have 72 satellites in orbit by 2025, with plans to reach a total of 240 satellites in the constellation.

RELATED:

(Via)

Huawei P70 series benchmarked on Geekbench with new upclocked Kirin chip

By

Rajesh Regmi

-

Mar 31, 2024

Huawei‘s upcoming P70 series smartphones appear to be taking shape, with recent leaks suggesting an April launch. Now, smartphones from the P70 lineup have surfaced on the Geekbench benchmarking platform revealing key specifications.

In particular, three Huawei smartphones with model numbers AL10, AL80, and AL00 have been spotted on Geekbench.

The ALT-AL10 is believed to be the standard Huawei P70 which scored 1243 points in single-core tests and 3840 points in multi-core tests. The ALN-AL80, possibly the P70 Pro, achieved 1348 and 4114 points respectively.

Huawei P70 Pro Geekbench — Huawei P70 Geekbench

Most interestingly, the MNA-AL00 model scored significantly higher with 1784 points in single-core and 4589 points in multi-core performance tests. This is rumored to be the top-of-the-line Huawei P70 Art.

The AL10 and AL80 models appear to use the same Kirin 9000s chipset we’ve previously seen in the Mate 60 Pro. It has a 12-core configuration, with two high-performance cores running at 2.62GHz, six performance cores running at 2.15GHz, and four efficiency cores running at 1.53GHz.

However, the AL00 model or the rumored P70 Art is speculated to feature a new Kirin chipset as the chipset has a different CPU structure. It has four cores clocked at 2.02GHz, three cores running at 2.75GHz, and a single core with 3.19GHz speed. The Geekbench listing also reveals that the smartphone has 12GB of RAM.

Apart from this, the three smartphones have also appeared on China’s Radio certification with similar model numbers — ADY-AL10 (P70), HBN-AL80 (P70 Pro), and HBP-AL00 (P70 Art).

Referencing the Radio listing, tipster Digital Chat Staiton revealed that the base P70 will support the BeiDou satellite messaging feature but the P70 Pro and P70 Art will support both BeiDou’s messaging and satellite calls via Tiantong 1.

We expect further updates on the Huawei P70 series and official confirmation of the launch as we approach the rumored April release window.

Related:

MSI Modern series All-in-one PCs with Intel processors & built-in FHD webcams announced

By

-

Mar 31, 2024

MSI has announced the addition of the Modern AM242 and AM272 series to its lineup of All-in-One PCs, targeting the needs of modern professionals and creatives. The series is comprised of three models: the Modern AM242 1M, AM242TP 1M, and AM272P 12M.

These models are available with Intel Core i3 100U, i5 120U, and i7 150U processor options, offering flexibility in computing power. Each unit supports up to 64GB of 5200MHz DDR5 RAM and provides the option for both NVMe SSD and additional HDD storage.

The AM242 1M and AM242TP M1 models both feature a 23.8″ IPS display panel offering an FHD resolution with MSI Anti-Flicker tech. The difference is that the AM242TP M1’s display is compatible with touch input. The AM272P 12M also uses the same panel but measures 27″ and lacks touch input capability. There are also 2 x 2.5W built-in speakers and a Full HD webcam integrated into the PC.

Connectivity features include support for Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, along with a variety of ports such as USB 3.2 Gen 2 and HDMI. As for data security, each model comes with a Discrete Trusted Platform Module 2.0. Additional features such as the MSI AI Engine and Cloud Center are included to improve performance and facilitate data management across multiple devices.

MSI has not disclosed specific pricing or availability dates for the new series.

RELATED:

WhatsApp repositions navigation bar for Android phones

By

Rajesh Regmi

-

Mar 31, 2024

WhatsApp, the popular messaging service, has rolled out a new update for Android users. The update brings a redesigned navigation bar to the bottom of the screen, replacing the previous top-of-screen placement.

The company announced the latest update via an X/Twitter post. The company says they “moved some things around to make it easier to access what you need when you need it.”

android friends, we moved some things around to make it easier to access what you need, when you need it

meet your new navigation tools 🤝 closer to your thumbs and easy on the eyes pic.twitter.com/CqLvZf9meo
— WhatsApp (@WhatsApp) March 28, 2024

With a new design, while users will still see tabs for Communities, Chats, Status, and Calls, the order has now been rearranged. Additionally, the “Status” tab has been renamed to “Updates”.

Now, all four tabs feature dedicated icons for easier identification, whereas previously only the Communities tab displayed an icon. The color scheme has also shifted from a green navigation bar to a white one.

The bottom placement puts the navigation bar closer to the user’s thumbs, minimizing the need to stretch across larger phone screens. Users can now quickly tap icons to move between sections, in addition to swiping between them.

The updated navigation initially appeared in India, but WhatsApp has now expanded the rollout globally. Android users should update their WhatsApp app from the Google Play Store to access the new design.

In related news, WhatsApp is testing a third-party chat management feature in the app. The feature has been rolled out in a beta update for Android at the beginning of March.

Essentially, this would allow WhatsApp users to message users from other platforms like Telegram or Signal. This would be a game-changer for users as they wouldn’t need to create separate accounts or do multiple sign-ins to chat with users of other platforms.

Related:

Realme GT Neo 6 SE design revealed ahead of April launch

By

Rajesh Regmi

-

Mar 31, 2024

Realme confirmed that its upcoming GT Neo 6 SE smartphone is set to launch in April. So an official announcement regarding the exact launch date could be imminent. Before the official reveal, the smartphone has now made an appearance on the TENAA listing revealing its design from front and back.

The TENAA listing of the GT Neo 6 SE shows the design in line with the previously leaked render. Notably, there are three circular cutouts on the back, likely housing three cameras, and a flashlight, with the camera module extending to the sides of the device.

The GT Neo 6 SE features curved edges on both the front and back. And aside from the black color shown in the image, it may also be available in a green variant.

The Realme GT Neo 6 SE will be powered by the newly released Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 processor. This chip features a 2.8 GHz Cortex-X4 prime core, four 2.6 GHz Cortex-A720 performance cores, and three 1.9 GHz Cortex-A520 efficiency cores. The GPU is an Adreno 732.

Realme claims this processor delivers significant performance gains and improved energy efficiency compared to its predecessor.

Additionally, the GT Neo 6 SE will come with the latest BOE panel boasting some impressive features. Like the display has a local peak brightness of 6000 nits and a global maximum brightness of 1600 nits, ensuring excellent visibility even in bright environments.

It also offers a manual maximum brightness of 1000 nits. Additionally, it includes new 8T LTPO technology, BOE S1 luminescent materials, a 0.5-120Hz adaptive refresh rate, Pro-XDR display, 1.5K resolution, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, and a 94.2% screen-to-body ratio.

Related:

Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G Mystic Silver special edition up for pre-order with an attractive discount

By

-

Mar 31, 2024

Xiaomi recently teased a Xiaomi Fan Festival special edition color option for its Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G called Mystic Silver. This new color option has now arrived for pre-order in the UK and some European regions with an attractive price tag.

The Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G Mystic Silver comes with 12GB RAM and 512GB of storage. This configuration of the smartphone usually goes for around £449 and €499.90, in the EU and Europe respectively. However, the Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G Mystic Silver with the above-mentioned configurations is being sold at just £379 and €400.90.

It is worth mentioning that it is a limited-time offer, and customers will have to make a pre-reservation by depositing £1/€1 by April 1 at 23:59 in the UK and April 2 at 09:59 in the Eurozone to get the device at the above-mentioned prices. These pre-reservations can be made on Xiaomi’s regional websites. The specs of the device will remain the same as a regular Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G. You can check for more details below.

Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G specs

The Redmi Note 13 Pro Plus 5G comes with a 6.67-inch curved AMOLED display, offering a 1.5K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. It is powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Ultra chipset paired with LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.1 storage.

In terms of photography, it features a 200MP main camera, an 8MP ultrawide lens, and a 2MP macro camera on the rear, accompanied by a 16MP selfie camera on the front. It is supported by a 5000mAh battery and offers 120W wired fast.

RELATED:

Xiaomi’s HyperOS update plans for Q2 2024 revealed, check if your device is on the list

By

-

Mar 31, 2024

Xiaomi debuted its new and improved Android 14-based HyperOS operating system around the end of 2023, and ever since then, the brand has been gradually updating all of its eligible devices to this new operating system.

Now, with the first quarter of the year coming to an end, Xiaomi has shared the list of devices it plans to upgrade in Q2 2024.

Q2 2024 HyperOS rollout plan

Xiaomi 11 Ultra
Xiaomi 11T Pro
Mi 11X
Xiaomi 11I HyperCharge
Xiaomi 11 Lite
Xiaomi 11i
Mi 10
Xiaomi Pad 5
Redmi K50i
Redmi 13C series
Redmi 12
Redmi 11 Prime 5G
Redmi Note 11 Series

In addition to revealing its future plans, Xiaomi also notes the devices for which it has already rolled out the HyperOS update. The complete list is below.

Xiaomi 13 Pro
Xiaomi Pad 6
Redmi 12 5G
Redmi 12C
Redmi 11 Prime
Redmi Pad
Xiaomi 12 Pro
Redmi Note 12 5G
Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G
Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G
Redmi Note 13 5G
Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G
Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G

So if you own any of these devices and haven’t received the update notification yet, we recommend you navigate to Settings>About Phone and tap on ‘System updates’. To know what’s new and different in HyperOS compared to MIUI, you can check out our HyperOS explainer. We also have a story explaining the differences between HyperOS vs MIUI. Also, if you are wondering if any of your Xiaomi branded devices are eligible for the update check out our story on HyperOS update availability for your Xiaomi, Poco devices where we list all confirmed devices for the update and will keep updating it.

RELATED:

PlayStation Plus April 2024 lineup: Immortals of Aveum, Minecraft Legends & a fun 2D rogue-like platformer

By

-

Mar 31, 2024

Sony has announced the lineup for PlayStation Plus in April, introducing a mix of new and unique titles to its subscription service. The selection this month includes Immortals of Aveum, Minecraft Legends, and Skul: The Hero Slayer, each catering to different gaming preferences and styles.

Immortals of Aveum

Immortals of Aveum, a game by Ascendant Studios and published by Electronic Arts, brings a first-person shooter experience where magic is the primary weapon. Released in August 2023 for around $80, the game revolves around Jak, a character who transitions from a thief to a key defender of the kingdom of Aveum, utilizing magic. It’s the first AAA title released that uses Unreal Engine 5.1.

Minecraft Legends:

Minecraft Legends, a product of Mojang Studios and Blackbird Interactive, gives the beloved Minecraft universe a new twist with real-time action strategy gameplay. Since its release in April 2023, it has received mixed feedback, with a metascore of 71 but a lower user score of 4.8.

Skul: The Hero Slayer:

Skul: The Hero Slayer is an engaging 2D platformer with rogue-like elements where players root for the demons. As Skul, the skeleton hero, players embark on a quest to save their demon friends from human captors. The game boasts a metascore of 80 from 23 reviews, indicating a generally positive reception from critics.

From April 2 until May 6, PlayStation Plus members have access to these games. Additionally, the Overwatch 2 Mega Bundle continues to be available, offering exclusive skins and other perks for Overwatch 2 players. These include:

– Beekeeper Sigma Legendary Skin

– Art Deco Symmetra Legendary Skin

– Runner Sojourn Epic Skin

– Punker Queen Junker Queen Epic Skin

– Construction Ramattra Epic Skin

– Matsuri Kiriko Epic Skin

– Cassia Lifeweaver Epic Skin

– Amethyst Illari Epic Skin

– Rugby Mauga Epic Skin

– 5x Battle Pass Tier Skips

RELATED:

Millions Affected: AT&T Addresses 2019 Data Leak with Key Security Measures

By

-

Mar 30, 2024

In 2019, AT&T experienced a data leak impacting around 70 million current and former customers. The leak included personal details like names, addresses, phone numbers, birth dates, social security numbers, and passcodes.

Responding to the issue, AT&T has reset passcodes for 7.6 million current customers. This measure is one of several taken by the company to address the breach. Despite the data being encrypted, there were concerns about the security of these passcodes.

AT&T has launched an investigation with cybersecurity experts to better understand the recent data leak. The information appears to be from 2019 or earlier. AT&T has stated that there is no evidence of unauthorized access to its systems resulting from the incident.

To help those affected, AT&T is offering credit monitoring services. They’ve also set up a special webpage providing customers with information on how to keep their accounts safe.

RELATED:

Xiaomi 14 Ultra achieves 5 Gbps mobile network speed with 5.5G

By

Erencan Yılmaz

-

Mar 30, 2024

Chinese telecommunication companies have taken a significant step from the switch from 5G to 6G, marking a pivotal shift with the introduction of cutting-edge 5.5G (5G-A) technology, enabling substantially higher speeds on mobile networks. Xiaomi 14 Ultra has now gotten the 5.5G capability commercially available in China.

Xiaomi 14 Ultra marks 5 Gbps mobile data speed with 5.5G network

A couple Chinese smartphone manufacturers have upgraded to the 5.5G technology in collaboration with China Telecom. The vivo X100 Pro and OPPO Find X7 series are set to feature the 5.5G (5G-A) capability starting April 2024.

China Mobile’s tests revealed that Xiaomi 14 Ultra achieved speeds of up to 5132 Mbps. Compared to 5G, 5.5G technology offers significantly enhanced performance in speed, latency, connection scalability, and energy efficiency, boasting an approximate tenfold increase in network capacity.

While the 5 Gbps mobile network speed of Xiaomi 14 Ultra is impressive, the potential of 5.5G (5G-A) technology extends further. It is expected to deliver millisecond-level latency, along with 10 Gigabit downlink and 1 Gigabit uplink speeds.

5.5G technology is undergoing testing on select phone models and limited to specific cities in China, suggesting that widespread adoption may take time. Nonetheless, experiencing such remarkable speed enhancements even prior to the shift to 6G is already sweet.

Huawei’s tri-fold smartphone to be released this year

By

Erencan Yılmaz

-

Mar 30, 2024

The patent of Huawei’s smartphone with a tri-fold display has emerged. It is not yet known when Huawei will unveil its tri-fold smartphone, but the patent provides some interesting details about the design of the phone. Additionally, rumors suggest that the trifold phone might be released by the end of this year.

Huawei gears up to reveal a trifold smartphone

Samsung previously showcased its tri-fold display smartphone at the CES event but did not release it for sale. We may see both Huawei and Samsung releasing phones with tri-fold displays in 2024.

ITHome has recently posted the Huawei’s patent, the upcoming smartphone appears to take the shape of the “Z“ when folded, and the device features two different hinges. One of the most useful aspects of a tri-fold device is that the screen connected to the second hinge can fold outward, allowing the third part of the screen to be used as a fully functional display when the device is folded. While flip-style foldable devices also have an outer screen, rear cameras create a significant interruption on the screen.

Tri-fold devices have never been introduced to the market, but the biggest challenge seems to be the design, as a device with two different hinges would contain complex parts and be quite heavy. However, in Huawei’s patent, each part of the display has a different thickness, which should reduce the weight.

Whether it will be practical or not remains unknown since no company has introduced a tri-fold smartphone yet. Although rumors are not definitive at the moment, you can expect some phone manufacturers to introduce tri-fold smartphones in 2024.

Honor MagicBook X14/X16 Pro 2024 laptops now available on Amazon India

By

-

Mar 30, 2024

Honor has released two new laptops in India, the MagicBook X14 Pro and X16 Pro 2024, available now on Amazon. These laptops come with a range of offers that make them a good deal for people looking for a new device.

Honor MagicBook X14/X16 Pro 2024 specs:

Both the X14 Pro and X16 Pro are made from aluminum, making them light but sturdy. The X14 Pro is just 1.4 kg and 16.5mm thick, while the X16 Pro is slightly heavier and thicker at 1.7 kg and 17.9mm. Inside, they’re powered by the 13th Gen Intel Core i5-13420H processor, so they should run smoothly.

For visuals, the X14 Pro has a 14-inch FHD screen and the X16 Pro has a 16-inch FHD screen, both with thin bezels for a better viewing experience. They come with up to 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, and run on Windows 11 Home. They’re designed to stay cool with a special cooling fan, and the 60Wh battery promises up to 12 hours of use. They also have several ports, including USB-C, HDMI, USB-A, and a headphone/mic jack.

Pricing & availability

Prices start at Rs 54,490 for the MagicBook X14 Pro with 8GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, and go up to Rs 58,490 for the X16 Pro with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. Customers can take advantage of an exchange offer that could knock off up to Rs 16,900 from the price. There’s also a Rs 5,000 discount for those who pay with HDFC or SBI credit cards, and EMI options start from Rs 2,642 per month.

RELATED:

Xiaomi has No Plans to Sell the SU7 Outside of China, At Least Not Yet

By

Anubhav

-

Mar 30, 2024

Post unveil, Xiaomi is addressing customer questions about their newly launched electric car, the SU7. However, one of the most polarizing news coming from the company states that they currently have no plans to sell the SU7 outside of China, but for those in China, local Xiaomi stores can advise on any purchase subsidies that might be available in their regions.

Consumers can visit local Xiaomi stores to get more info on purchase subsidies

If you’re looking for charging options, Xiaomi offers home charging piles in two models: 7kW and 11kW, with the higher-powered option recommended for the SU7 Max. Their home charging package includes the equipment and basic installation services within 30 meters of cables (limited to mainland China).

Answering some connectivity-centric questions, it was explained how connecting phones to the car is pretty straightforward. Most Android phones can connect via CarLink, allowing you to use navigation, music, phone calls, and other features on the car’s central control screen. Android phones can also wirelessly stream audio and video using DLNA. For iPad users, a special expansion bracket allows you to mount the iPad on the back of the front seat. By downloading the “Xiaomi Auto Expansion Screen” app, you can control car features like seat climate control, multimedia adjustments, and entertainment options directly on your iPad.

Xiaomi clarifies that the industry standard for measuring 0-to-100 km/h acceleration excludes starting time, while media outlets may include it in their measurements. This can lead to slight variations in the numbers you see reported. They provided an example where the SU7 Max measured 3.09s in media testing (compared to the official 2.78s). Warranty coverage is not limited to the first owner, and maintenance costs are estimated to be around 480 yuan for the first year/20,000 kilometers, increasing to 750 yuan and 1400 yuan for the second and third years respectively.

RELATED:

(Via)

OpenAI’s New Voice Engine can Clone Your Voice in Merely 15 Seconds

By

Anubhav

-

Mar 30, 2024

OpenAI is churning up the AI news sector again, this time turning heads with a new tool called Voice Engine, which may sadly never see the light of day. This impressive tech can generate realistic synthetic voices after being trained with just a 15-second audio sample. That opens up a whole new world of possibilities, one straight out of some action-spy movie scenario.

Unfortunately, the company has no intentions of making Voice Engine public anytime soon

Imagine a tool that can read any text in a natural-sounding voice, even mimicking emotions. That’s the potential of Voice Engine, currently being used in a limited preview for OpenAI’s ChatGPT app’s read-aloud function. Beyond entertainment, the applications are vast. Voice Engine could revolutionize education, translate podcasts into new languages, and provide communication assistance for those who are non-verbal.

However, the power of this technology comes with responsibility. OpenAI acknowledges the potential for misuse, such as spreading misinformation or impersonating someone’s voice. For this reason, Voice Engine remains under wraps for now. OpenAI aims to address these concerns through research and open discussion. They hope to determine the best way to deploy this powerful tool and prepare society for this new AI-oriented era.

This focus on responsible development is crucial. With deepfakes and other AI-generated content becoming more believable, the ability to discern real from artificial is becoming increasingly difficult. OpenAI acknowledges the challenges, including potential issues with voice authentication and phone scams. Finding solutions to these problems will be critical as synthetic voice technology advances. We will have to wait and watch.

RELATED:

(Via)

Huawei defies the odds and shows impressive financial performance in 2023: the best since 2019

By

Joane

-

Mar 30, 2024

Huawei, the Chinese tech giant, has reported impressive financial results for the year 2023, showcasing resilience in the face of ongoing challenges. Despite facing U.S. sanctions and a volatile market, the company’s revenue soared by nearly 10 percent, reaching a substantial 704.2 billion yuan ($97.4 billion). This growth was largely attributed to the consumer business segment, which experienced a significant 17.3 percent increase, driven by strong sales in the handset division, particularly the Mate 60 in the 5G smartphones market.

Since 2019, Huawei has been grappling with strict U.S. restrictions, limiting its access to essential technology and software. However, the company’s ability to overcome these obstacles has been commendable, as evidenced by its remarkable financial performance. Net profit surged by an impressive 144.5 percent to 87 billion yuan ($12 billion), buoyed by robust sales and ongoing payments from the sale of the Honor smartphone brand.

Huawei’s diversified business segments also played a crucial role in driving growth. The cloud computing business witnessed a substantial 22 percent year-on-year increase, generating revenue of 55.3 billion yuan ($7.7 billion). Furthermore, the smart car software and components business saw an astounding 128.1 percent year-on-year growth, reflecting Huawei’s strength in emerging sectors.

In response to its financial achievements, Huawei’s leadership, led by Rotating Chairman Ken Hu, emphasized the company’s resilience and ability to navigate challenges. Despite the complexities of the current landscape, Huawei remains committed to investing in research and innovation, allocating 23.4 percent of its annual revenue to R&D efforts. Looking ahead, the company expressed optimism for the future, aiming to create greater value for customers and society through open collaboration and innovation.

Huawei’s remarkable performance in 2023 underscores its position as a global leader in technology and highlights its capacity to thrive in adverse conditions.

Related:

(via)

Microsoft & OpenAI planning $100 billion supercomputer Stargate AI

By

-

Mar 30, 2024

According to a report by The Information, Microsoft and OpenAI are reportedly planning a joint data center project that could reach $100 billion in cost. The project is said to culminate in the launch of a massive artificial intelligence supercomputer named “Stargate” by 2028.

Supercomputer “Stargate” Planned for 2028 as Part of AI Data Center Initiative

This ambitious plan comes amid a growing need for AI data centers that can handle increasingly complex tasks. The rise of generative AI technology is a major driver behind this demand.

Microsoft is expected to shoulder the majority of the financial burden for the project, according to sources familiar with the discussions. The project’s budget is estimated to be 100 times more expensive than current data center operations.

The supercomputer, to be located in the United States, would be the centerpiece of a multi-phase initiative spanning six years. The project is reportedly divided into five phases, with Stargate representing the final stage. Currently, Microsoft is developing a smaller supercomputer for OpenAI, slated for release in 2026.

Acquiring the necessary AI chips is expected to be a significant expense for the project’s later phases. These specialized chips can cost between $30,000 and $40,000 each, as indicated by Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang.

Microsoft has already shown its commitment to advancing AI capabilities by designing its own custom computing chips. The new data center project is designed to work with chips from various suppliers, according to the report.

The Information reports that the project’s projected expenditures could surpass $115 billion, exceeding Microsoft’s prior year’s capital spending on infrastructure by a considerable margin.

Last month, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman also revealed insights about the upcoming model GPT-5 during the World Government Summit in Dubai, stating that it will surpass its predecessors in all aspects. The upcoming model is anticipated to be a significant leap forward in AI capabilities, potentially approaching human-level intelligence, with early testing showcasing its ability to decipher ancient languages. GPT-5 is expected to incorporate features such as image generation via DALL-E and video generation via Sora, with a tentative release sometime in 2024.

RELATED: